Job DescriptionAt Western Governors University (WGU), technology plays a critical role in advancing our mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable education. Our engineering teams build the platforms, services, and tools that support millions of student interactions and empower employees across the university.
We are looking for a Software Engineer I who is eager to launch and grow their software engineering career while contributing to meaningful products that improve the student experience.
As a Software Engineer, you will help build scalable backend services and APIs that power modern web and mobile applications across WGU's digital ecosystem. You will primarily focus on backend development using Java and Python while collaborating closely with engineers working in Angular and Flutter. You'll gain hands-on experience designing APIs, integrating systems, working with cloud-native technologies, and building reliable software solutions that support learners and employees.
What You'll Do- Develop, enhance, and maintain backend services and APIs using Java and Python
- Build and support RESTful APIs and backend integrations across multiple platforms
- Collaborate with frontend and mobile engineers to deliver end-to-end application features
- Write clean, maintainable, secure, and testable code
- Troubleshoot issues, debug applications, and contribute to performance improvements
- Participate in code reviews and technical discussions to improve engineering quality
- Support CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and operational excellence initiatives
- Learn and apply cloud-native development principles and backend engineering best practices
- Contribute to Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and team collaboration activities
- Continuously improve technical skills while contributing to team goals and product outcomes
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
- Professional experience developing software applications or backend services
- Experience with Java or Python development
- Understanding of backend application architecture and REST API design principles
- Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB
- Experience using Git and modern version control workflows
- Basic understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and contribute within a collaborative engineering environment
Preferred Qualifications- Experience developing backend applications using Spring Boot, FastAPI, Flask, or Django
- Exposure to containerization technologies such as Docker
- Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automated deployment practices
- Understanding of frontend integration patterns and API consumption
- Experience contributing to team-based software projects in academic, internship, open-source, or professional environments
- Exposure to Agile software development methodologies
Position & Application DetailsFull-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Additional InformationDisclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.
